[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HERSHEY INTERMODAL CENTER FUNDING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2001

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my disappointment 
that funding for the Hershey Intermodal Center was not included in the 
FY 2002 Transportation Appropriations bill. Hershey, PA is in need of a 
modernized central business district with a vibrant center of activity 
to meet the transportation and commercial realities of the 21st 
Century. To address this need, local government officials have been 
working with private concerns in a public-private partnership to 
renovate downtown Hershey. At the heart of the downtown improvement 
plan is the construction of an intermodal transportation center. This 
facility will link bus transit, park and ride, and transit parking in a 
central location. It will also provide parking for the overall downtown 
development and is situated to provide a stop for the commuter rail 
service that is envisioned in the CORRIDORone long-term plan. I 
strongly support this regional economic development project and believe 
that funding for this important project should have been included in 
the Transportation Appropriations bill.
  Although $2.5 million was not added to this year's House version of 
the Transportation Appropriations bill, I plan to continue my efforts 
to seek funds which are seriously needed to revitalize central 
Pennsylvania. I hope the Senate will correct this oversight, and 
recognize the needs of the hard working people of our commonwealth.

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